No one in the free world reportedly cares to figure out how Hamas won the recent election in the Middle-East. Well, we do care, and we need to devise a plan to solve the problem.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said we can rule out any U.S. assistance to a Hamas-ruled government, according to an Associated Press report.

Rice did say humanitarian help on a "case-by-case" basis to poor Palestinians is probable. She also said the administration would continue to aid the current Palestinian government.

"The United States is not prepared to fund an organization that advocates the destruction of Israel, that advocates violence and that refuses its obligations," Rice said.

Was the election flawed? We don't know.

What we do know is that we need to honor an election by the people.

Terrorists should not control or be allowed to form new government any where on the planet.

Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas leader, said, "We assure you that all the revenues will be spent on salaries, daily life and infrastructure."

The international community has shared its worry of Hamas distributing funds towards terrorism.

That is yet to be seen. We will have to wait and see.

A good step would be for Hamas to acknowledge Israel and stop the threat of violence. After all, Israel has some of the most qualified special forces available. A pronounced war would not be in Hamas' best interest.

As always, call 968-5252 or e-mail editor@couriernews.com with any suggestions or story ideas.